University of North Florida
Board of Trustees
Educational Policy Committee

Committee Members Present

Committee Members Absent

Dr. Edythe Abdullah, Ms. Joy Korman

Item 1 Call to Order

With a quorum being present, Chair Hicks called the meeting to order.

Item 2 Minutes

Chair Hicks asked for a MOTION to approve the minutes from the December 10, 2009 meeting. The MOTION was offered by Trustee Robinson and seconded by Trustee Gonzalez. The minutes were accepted as presented.

Item 3 Open Comments

Chair Hicks offered opportunity for comments from the public. Upon receiving none, she continued with the business at hand.

Item 4 Approval of the Regional and Discipline-Specific Accreditation Policy

Chair Hicks asked Vice President Serwatka to speak about this item.

Vice President Serwatka stated that the Board of Governors (BOG) required the Board of Trustees to develop policies on accreditation consistent with the institution’s mission and the BOG’s guidelines. He noted that every department which could get professional accreditation was expected to do so or give reasons why. He clarified that the new policy proposal put into formal format current UNF policy. If approved, they policy would be forwarded to the BOG.

Chair Hicks ask for a MOTION for approval for the regional and discipline-specific accreditation policy. The MOTION was offered and seconded. The MOTION was approved as presented.

Item 5 Approval of a Master’s of Science (MS) Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

Chair Hicks asked Provost Workman to speak about this item.

Provost Workman stated that the purpose of this item was to present a proposed new master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. He asked Dr. Chally, dean of the Brooks College of Business, to continue this discussion.

Dr. Chally stated that this program had been in existence for many years and was highly sought after. She clarified that the administration was asking that it be moved from awarding a MS degree in Health to a MS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She further clarified that this move would not require additional funding for courses, faculty or other program resources.

Chair Hicks asked for a MOTION for approval of a Master’s of Science Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. A MOTION was offered and seconded. The MOTION was carried as presented.

Item 6 Florida Educational Equity Act Report (FEEA)

Ms. Monell stated that the purpose of this report was to provide details from the annual equity plan The plan shows the representation of women and minorities in senior level administrative positions, within tenure-track and non-tenure track faculty positions and among faculty granted tenure. The report also provides details on student participation in programs or courses in which certain protected classes were underrepresented, and ensures provisions consistent with non-discrimination laws, and that educational resources are equitably distributed.

Ms. Monell began her report by listing the components of the Florida Equity reports, including (1) academic program review, (2) student services, (3) gender equity in athletics, and (4) employment.

Ms Monell spoke about the academic program review, noting that there was a significant increase in overall minority representation between the Fall 2008 and Fall 2009 freshmen classes, and the five years numbers also charted an overall rise in minority representation in 2009 academic class. She reported that UNF’s 2008 first-year freshman retention rate was at its highest point for the previous five years. Ms. Monell spoke about graduation rates, mentioning that bachelor’s degrees were awarded at rates consistent with gender enrollment patterns. However, the overall production of master’s degrees increased, with an exception for African-Americans and Asians.

This discussion continued addressing student services. Ms. Monell reported on academic advising, admission to academic programs, health services, club and intramural athletics, student financial assistance, housing, student employment, and educational and work environment. She clarified that there were no issues of equity compliance in any of these areas.

Ms. Monell moved to discussions to gender equity in athletics, noting that there were two areas of non-compliance. She listed these as (1) participation rates, male and female, compared with full-time undergraduate enrollment, and (2) availability of facilities, defined as locker room, practice, and competitive facilities. She narrated program improvements for these two issues, noting that on-going proportionality was achieved and the completion of needed facilities was anticipated by the end of September 2010.

Employment, the final component of the report was addressed. Ms. Monell reported that all minority groups were on track. Tenure showed a decrease, including among white faculty. She clarified that there was also a 15 percent drop in overall tenure-track faculty.

Ms. Monell stated that, subsequent to Board approval, this report would be submitted to the Board of Governors.

Chair Hicks asked for a MOTION for approval for the Florida Educational Equity Act Report. A MOTION was offered and seconded. The report was approved as presented.

Item 5 Tenure by Reason of Appointment – Dr. Murat Tiryakioglu, Director, School of Engineering, College of Computing, Engineering and Construction

Chair Hicks asked Provost Workman to speak about this item.

Provost Workman stated that search had yielded a strong pool of candidates which produced four very strong finalists. He noted that there was a concurrent decision among faculty and leadership from the college that Dr. Tiryakioglu was the strongest.

Provost Workman reported that Dr. Tiryakioglu had strong academic and administrative experience and that all faculty of the school endorsed his tenure, which was required by this process.

Chair Hicks asked for a MOTION for approval of tenure by reason of appointment for Dr. Murat Tiryakioglu. A MOTION was offered and seconded. The MOTION was carried as presented.